After plucking the petal, I finally realized what I was doing. I already knew Marie wasn't normal, and what she just did only proved it.
Yes, violence like this may be common for some people in this world, but such coldness and skill with a sword showed it wasn't her first or second time.
What I did was a suicidal act; my blood could be blown away with the wind now.
"Mari—"
Before I could explain or beg for my life, Marie started walking. I tried to keep up, but whenever I got close to her, Marie would pick up the pace.
This happened a few times, and before I knew it, I was running after her.
"Marie, Marie, MARIE!"
What's her problem? Is she in a hurry because of the drizzle? Or—no, it can't be.
I stopped running, picked up a small stone, and threw it at Marie.
!
I covered my mouth as the stone hit the back of her head.
I approached Marie cautiously and said:
"Sorry, but I had to do it since you wouldn't stop running. What's your problem?"
"Bastard, piece of shit, son of a—"
"Yes, yes, that's the Marie I know."
"Since when do you know me?"
I just smiled in response. Marie stared at me for a moment, then spoke:
"Let's go."
"Hey, Marie."
"Hm?"
"You were expecting to run into those thieves, weren't you?"
She didn't answer, but I took it as a yes.
"I thought that in this world, with all this stuff about venerated and tropical forests, that wouldn't happen—since you can make money by hunting all sorts of creatures or trading."
"This world? You talk like you're not from here."
"Hahaha."
"There are many ways to make money, and robbing is just one of them. Thieves usually work in bigger groups and target merchant caravans since those people are generally weaker. Even with hired guards, they're often not enough against a gang of thieves."
"I see, but they didn't seem strong and attacked in a pair."
"There are always exceptions."
"There are always exceptions, even on the other side. They were arrogant and didn't think they'd run into a rose."
"A rose?"
"Yes, a rose. Among cherry petals, you looked like a blood-red rose."
Marie raised an eyebrow and replied:
"You're strange."
"Me? Aren't you the strange one? Me? Haha."
"Yes, you."
"Hm."
"You're strangely calm, as if you saw nothing. And for a moment, while I was killing those two, I looked at you and…" Marie hesitated for a moment.
"And?"
"I saw you smiling. I thought it was just my imagination, but seeing your behavior now… I have my doubts."
Damn, why couldn't I hold back?
"Hahaha, I think it was just in your head. Why would I smile? And did you forget? I'm the 'cursed' one. It's not the first time I've seen these things, so I'm calm. Haha. And are you going to have any trouble for killing those two?"
I tried to change the subject, but Marie gave me a suspicious look.
"It really seemed like you were smiling—not just any smile, but a grin from ear to ear with wide eyes—"
"MY HOME! Let's pick up the pace."
Wow, saved by the bell.